Asheville Prepares for Hurricane Helene as Local State of Emergency Declared

Asheville Braces for Hurricane Helene

Asheville, N.C. – It’s a busy time in Asheville and surrounding areas as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Helene. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has officially declared a Local State of Emergency to help ensure everyone’s safety as the storm heads our way. This declaration covers not only the city of Asheville but also nearby towns including Weaverville, Woodfin, Black Mountain, Montreat, and Biltmore Forest. With this decision, emergency management personnel will kickstart plans to deal with any possible storm impacts.

What to Expect

The National Weather Service has warned of potential “major to catastrophic flooding” as Helene approaches, which is expected to hit hard on Thursday and Friday. Forecasts show that Buncombe County will be seeing temperatures dropping to the 60s, with rainfall accumulating until Friday morning. If you happen to live near rivers, creeks, or any flood-prone areas, now is the time to think about your safety!

Shelters and Preparedness

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, a Code Purple will be activated due to the storm. Local shelters in Asheville and Buncombe County will provide emergency overflow facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. It’s crucial for those in need to be aware of this so they can find a safe place to stay while the storm passes.

All parks in Buncombe County are closed until further notice amid rising concerns of rainfall and flooding. For anyone who needs assistance, McDowell County is also stepping up with an emergency shelter set to open at 9 a.m. Thursday at Glenwood Baptist Church. Those in McDowell needing transportation can call 828-652-3241.

Proactive Measures Across the Region

The urgency is felt not only in Buncombe but across several counties including McDowell, Mitchell, Haywood, and Transylvania. Mitchell County declared its own state of emergency around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and Haywood County followed suit at the same time, stressing the importance of being ready for potential evacuations. Officials advise: “assemble an emergency kit, secure your home, and photograph important documents” just in case you need to leave quickly.

Transylvania County is experiencing heightened concerns as it’s under the highest threat levels for flooding and landslides. Residents there are urged to make arrangements promptly, particularly if livestock or other animals need relocation.

Asheville’s Emergency Preparations

In Asheville, preparations are well underway. City staff is gearing up for the expected heavy rain and strong winds. The Asheville Fire Department is taking proactive steps by activating specialty teams, which include boat teams and safety officers, to ensure swift responses to any emergencies that occur.

For the duration of the storm, all Asheville Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed, along with all planned activities and events, as a precautionary measure. Mayor Barbara Volk is also taking charge in Hendersonville, where a State of Emergency was declared at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, along with a Level 2 Flood Alert. City crews are already beginning staging barricades in susceptible areas.

Stay Informed

As the storm approaches, it’s essential to stay informed and safe. Residents can sign up for local weather alerts via text. For example, those in Hendersonville can message AlertHVL to a designated number to stay in the loop. The importance of communication and staying prepared can’t be overstated as we head into potentially turbulent days ahead.

Let’s all stay safe, be thoughtful of our neighbors, and hope that the preparations made will help us get through Hurricane Helene with minimal disruption. Remember, it’s wise to check in with friends and family, especially those might need a little extra help during this time!